Discover the Heartbeat of the American South
11-Nights Self Drive

American Rhythms Self-Drive Tour

Embark on a journey through the soulful South, where music, history, and culture blend to create an unforgettable experience.

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Call Office

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Call Office

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£2,339pp

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£2,199pp

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£2,189pp

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£2,349pp

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£2,409pp

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£2,329pp

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£2,269pp

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£2,259pp

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£2,179pp

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£2,009pp

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£2,009pp

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£1,929pp

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£1,979pp

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£2,079pp

Explore the soul of the American South with this 11-night self-drive tour, immersing yourself in the region's rich musical, historical, and cultural heritage. Begin in vibrant New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where the rhythm never stops. Discover the charming coastal towns of Mississippi, the civil rights legacy of Montgomery, the musical treasures of Nashville and Memphis, and the deep Southern history of Vicksburg, Natchez, and Louisiana's Cajun Country. Each stop offers unique experiences, from iconic music landmarks to Civil War history, to the flavours of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Tour Highlights:
-Savour the vibrant food and music scene in New Orleans, the heart of jazz.
-Tour the French Quarter in New Orleans, a hub of culture and jazz history.
-Visit Birmingham's Vulcan statue and significant Civil Rights sites.
-Walk Nashville's Music City Walk of Fame and explore the Country Music Hall of Fame.
-Experience a shrimping trip in Biloxi and discover Alabama's Gulf Coast beauty.
-Dive into Memphis' musical history with visits to Beale Street and Graceland.
-Explore Civil War landmarks and antebellum homes in Vicksburg and Natchez.
-Drive through the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.
-Immerse yourself in Cajun and Creole culture in Lafayette and Avery Island.

Day 1: New Orleans Arrival
Arrive in New Orleans, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, where jazz, Creole cuisine, and a lively culture blend together. After picking up your rental car at the airport, check into your hotel for a 2-night stay. Spend the evening at leisure - perhaps start with a dinner at one of the city’s famous Cajun or Creole restaurants to get a taste of the local flavours, then explore the nightlife in the French Quarter. The city comes alive at night with music echoing from jazz bars and streets bustling with energy.

Day 2: New Orleans
Enjoy a full day to explore New Orleans. Take a walking tour of the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), renowned for its narrow streets, historical buildings, and lively atmosphere. Visit Jackson Square, where street performers and artists gather, and explore the nearby St. Louis Cathedral. Stroll along Royal Street for antique shops and galleries, and wander down the famous Bourbon Street for a taste of New Orleans’ nightlife. If you're seeking more history and culture, the French Market, Preservation Hall, and the many museums (such as the National WWII Museum) offer engaging experiences. For something unique, consider a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River in the evening.

Day 3: New Orleans – Biloxi – Mobile – Montgomery
Depart New Orleans and head east along the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast. Stop in Biloxi, where you can join an optional 'shrimping trip', an informative and hands-on experience where you’ll see the world of Gulf Coast sea life. Continue to Mobile, Alabama's oldest city, founded in 1702. Explore Mobile’s historic architecture, maritime museums, and lush public spaces. After enjoying Mobile’s Gulf Coast charm, travel further inland to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, rich in Civil War and Civil Rights history. Visit the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was a pastor, or walk the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, the site of significant events in Civil Rights history.

Day 4: Montgomery – Birmingham – Nashville
In the morning, head to Birmingham, Alabama, a city that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue, standing high above the city. Explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Kelly Ingram Park for a deeper understanding of the history. After your Birmingham visit, continue north to Nashville, Tennessee. Known as 'Music City', Nashville welcomes you with its iconic live music, Southern hospitality, and lively nightlife. Spend the evening discovering its legendary music venues or sampling some Southern comfort food at one of the local restaurants.

Day 5: Nashville
A full day to dive into the heart of Nashville’s music scene. Start your day at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you'll journey through decades of country music history. Next, visit RCA Studio B, famous for recording legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. If you're a fan of live performances, catch a daytime backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, or even see a show if the schedule allows. Don’t miss Printer’s Alley, known for its vibrant music bars. For more cultural immersion, check out the Johnny Cash Museum or take a stroll down Broadway, the buzzing main strip lined with honky-tonks, bars, and shops.

Day 6: Nashville – Memphis
Leave behind the country music capital and make your way to Memphis, known as the home of the blues. Upon arrival, visit Beale Street, the beating heart of the Memphis music scene, where clubs and bars resonate with live performances. Explore the city’s deep connection to the blues, soul, and rock ‘n roll at the Rock N' Soul Museum or Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits. In the afternoon, tour Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous estate, for an unforgettable glimpse into the life of the "King of Rock 'n Roll."

Day 7: Memphis
Spend another full day experiencing Memphis. Return to Beale Street for more music or visit the historic Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum, which documents the fight for equality in America and honours the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated here. Music enthusiasts should visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, dedicated to preserving the sounds of Memphis' soul heritage. For an evening treat, catch a performance at the Orpheum Theatre or enjoy a laid-back dinner at one of the city’s renowned barbecue joints, sampling the famous Memphis-style ribs.

Day 8: Memphis – Vicksburg
Today, travel south to Vicksburg, Mississippi, a key site in the Civil War. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, where the siege and battle of Vicksburg in 1863 played a decisive role in the war. Explore the extensive grounds, which feature over 1,300 monuments and markers, a scenic 16-mile tour road, and the national cemetery. In the afternoon, consider touring one of Vicksburg's stunning antebellum homes, like the stately Cedar Grove Mansion or the historic Anchuca Mansion.

Day 9: Vicksburg – Natchez
Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic trail once used by Native Americans and early settlers. Arrive in Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, known for its well-preserved antebellum homes and rich Southern heritage. Explore iconic plantations such as Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States, or Melrose, a grand mansion offering insight into the pre-Civil War South. In the evening, relax by the Mississippi River and soak in the views of its majestic waters.

Day 10: Natchez – Lafayette – Baton Rouge - Darrow
Drive through central Louisiana, passing through quaint towns like Alexandria and Opelousas on your way to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country. Here, you can enjoy Cajun culture first-hand by visiting Acadian Village or taking a walking tour of downtown to explore the history, music, and food of the region. In the afternoon, continue to Baton Rouge and check into your overnight stay at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, a beautiful antebellum estate known for its lavish gardens and historic mansion.

Day 11: Baton Rouge – Cajun Country
Start your day by exploring Avery Island, the home of Tabasco Sauce. Visit Jungle Gardens, filled with exotic plants, and Bird City, a sanctuary for thousands of egrets. Later, journey into the heart of Cajun Country by visiting Morgan City, the 'Shrimp Capital of the World', and Houma, where you can take an optional swamp and bayou tour to see alligators and other wildlife up close. Return to Houmas House for one final relaxing evening at the estate, enjoying its grand Southern ambience.

Day 12: New Orleans Departure
On your final day, drive back to New Orleans for your departure flight. Return your rental car at the airport and say goodbye to the rhythm and soul of the American South as you catch your flight back home.

Inclusions:
Accommodation: 11 nights at carefully selected hotels
-2 nights in New Orleans at Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome (or similar), Room Only
-1 night in Montgomery at Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown (or similar), including Breakfast
-2 nights in Nashville at Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown (or similar), Room Only
-2 nights in Memphis at Hotel Napoleon (or similar), Room Only
-1 night in Vicksburg at Holiday Inn Vicksburg (or similar), Room Only
-1 night in Natchez at Natchez Grand Hotel (or similar), including Breakfast
-2 nights in Baton Rouge at The Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens (or similar), including Breakfast

Car Hire: Rental car for the full duration, with pick-up and drop-off at New Orleans Airport.

Flights: Direct return flights from London Heathrow to New Orleans Airport.

Luggage: One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage per person.

This comprehensive journey through the American South combines music, history, and cultural immersion, making it a must for travellers looking to experience the true heart of the region.